A pensioner from Great Bentley is the 20,000th person in Tendring to take advantage of the key to enjoying Tendring District Council's superb leisure facilities.

Barry Spake, 67, is a regular at Frinton and Walton Swimming Pool where he and his wife Rosemary and daughter Claire take to the water to keep fit and healthy.

Mr Spake suffers from arthritis and finds that swimming is a great help. His wife is diabetic.

He is the 20,000th person to become a ONE Card holder and to mark this he has had his membership upgraded.

The card, introduced by TDC last year, is available to everyone and is the most straightforward route to health and fitness across the district. Prices and options can be tailored to the user's needs.

Mr Spake and his wife recently obtained ONE Cards to enable them to participate in the Government's scheme to provide free swimming for those 60 and over and those 16 and under.

"It has saved us £3.50 each every time we visit the pool," he said.

"We used to go swimming many years ago at Clacton but got out of the habit. We are thoroughly enjoying getting back into a good habit again."

The ONE Card is valid for facilities at Clacton Leisure Centre - including the Lifestyles health and fitness development - Frinton and Walton Swimming Pool, Dovercourt Swimming Pool, Brightlingsea Sports Centre and Brightlingsea Pool, Harwich Sports Centre, Manningtree Sports Centre, Happy Valley Recreation Ground and Coronation Putting.

Anyone using the sites can pay on the day - or make use of a ONE Card activity package which is payable monthly or a year in advance.

Further information is available from the TDC leisure sites, or a brochure can be found on the Council's website, www.tendringdc.gov.uk

14/5/09

Related Link: One Leisure Card Brochure and Application